Letters to the editor, Aug. 12

Put library expansion on ballot

To the editor,

The Scarborough Town Council SHOULD put the “Scarborough Library Expansion Bond” on the November ballot and let the people decide. I have been a citizen in Scarborough for 40+ years, have used the library numerous times and know the staff there fairly well. I have done the tour with the staff at the library and there is no doubt we need an expansion of that library.

Some 6 Years ago the “Scarborough Municipal Facilities Plan” identified 6 town facilities that needed to be built or expanded within 5 years — including the library expansion. All have been done except the library expansion. IT IS TIME to expand the library. And PLEASE — let the people decide this issue. Put this on the ballot in November. The library needs more space NOW!! Thank you.

Robert “Sam “ Kelley
Scarborough

To the editor,

The Scarborough Public Library has come fourth with a plan and request for public support through bond funding for improvements and expansion. I urge the council to allow the voters of Scarborough the opportunity to vote on this request this November. The request checks the boxes as being reasonable, well planned, and providing an important public benefit.

It is well-planned and has been for a long period of time. For many years the need for additional space and upgrades to space and equipment have been brought forth by library supporters. These plans have been delayed several times so that other important needs such as school, public safety, and recreation could be met. The library has put forth a well-researched, vetted, and documented plan. It is time to make this a priority in our community

It is a reasonable request in terms of size and cost needed. The library has not grown and is now one of the smallest in the state per capita. A $13 million bond leverages the current library site and facility allowing it to continue as an important asset in Scarborough meeting needs well into the future.

It will insure access and lead to greater inclusion and opportunity in our increasingly diverse community. I have seen firsthand how the library benefits the young and old alike, brings new people in the community together with long-time residents, supports self-learning and enrichment across a whole host of topics and knowledge disciples, and benefits local business and entrepreneurs with import information needs.

Finally, it will provide for much needed gathering space for learning, sharing, and engaging. Today it is more important than ever that we all have opportunity not only to access information but to share with each other in-person around meaning and learn from a variety of experiences. This keeps people connected and supports positive outcomes across the community.

I have lived in Scarborough for more than twenty-five years, owned a business in Scarborough, and served as a volunteer in many school and community efforts and organizations. I have seen the positive impacts that the library has had on residents of this community and want it to continue to do so for the years to come. Join me in supporting allowing the citizens to vote in November on this important issue and supporting the library as a critical community asset.

Jim Damicis
Scarborough

Let the people decide, but not before they are fully informed

To the editor,

On August 17, the Town Council will vote on whether to send the $14 million Library expansion project to referendum in November. Who would fault the Council for “letting the people decide” the fate of this project?

Well, I would. Here’s why:

By voting to send the Library project to referendum, the Council would be neglecting one of its primary responsibilities with respect to referendums — making certain that voters have ALL the information they need to make a fully-informed judgment on the question at hand. In the case of the Library, voters do not have access to all the information we need.

That’s because the Library project is only one of three major projects that the Town is planning over the next three or four years. The total price tag for all the projects will be at least $185 million. That’s more than twice as much as our current debt.

The principal and interest payments on the new debt will produce a significant increase in our tax rate. My estimate is that the three projects will result in at least a 15% increase in our tax rates over the next five years. And that’s over and above the “normal” increases of 3% per year. (Perhaps more in the new inflationary environment.) This means that if your current tax bill is $7,000 per year, in 2028 it will be about $8,100 with just the normal increases, but nearly $9,400 when the costs of the new projects are added. Has Town leadership considered whether those increases are affordable for the average taxpayer? Clearly they have not since they haven’t even calculated the projected increases.

Until the Town provides reasonable estimates of the tax impact of the Library expansion, the new primary school and the pool/community center, voters do not have all the information they need to make a fully-informed decision about the Library project. The Council should not move it forward to referendum until the Town gives us the full picture of the tax impact of all three projects. Priorities need to be evaluated now, not after one of the projects goes to the voters.

Steve Hanly
Scarborough

Scarborough Library Expansion — just the facts

To the editor,

Our Town Council cannot put a $13.8 MM library expansion on the ballot when we have a major school construction project looming in our near future.

Scarborough residents love the library. A recent community survey reported 93% of residents were happy with the library, saying they were very satisfied or satisfied with it.

The Town Council knows what the public wants and values. When asked which services should receive the most emphasis over the next 2 years, “Library Services” came in next to last out of 13 items. Only 5% of citizens selected it as one of the top 3 areas needing emphasis. Over 50% of the residents said their top choice for investment was a community center. Only 13% said it was a library
expansion.

We’ve heard some say, “Put this on the ballot and let the people decide.” Our town has a financial policy to ensure that taxpayer money is used “in an efficient, prudent and thoughtful manner to ensure predictable tax rates.” This requires Town Council analysis first, considering other town needs before going to the voters. Plans for an urgently needed school call for bonding as soon as 2023, with estimated costs of at least $136MM. Plans for a Community Center and Pool are also in the picture at $35MM or more. The timing and sequence of big projects is complex and will affect bond interest rates, our tax rate and bond rating. Should the library expansion move ahead of a school, community center and pool? Public preference, financial prudence, and common sense say “No.”

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